Lowenstein Sandler's Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Podcast

Hosted by Lowenstein Sandler LLP

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Oct 2026

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Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Podcast: "Just Compensation" is a podcast series covering key issues in Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits law. It provides the basics of benefits as well as covering common issues and hot topics in this niche area of law that involves navigating complex tax rules and ERISA. Hosted by attorneys from our Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits practice groups, this series, geared towards companies and senior executives, will feature members from these practice groups, lawyers from other practice areas throughout the firm, and other individuals who work with companies.

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October 15, 2026Episode 6320 min

Executive Compensation in Financial Distress: Planning for Chapter 11

In this episode of Just Compensation , Taryn E. Cannataro is joined by Eric Chafetz and Christopher A. Ward , partners in Lowenstein's Bankruptcy & Restructuring Department , to discuss executive compensation considerations before and during a Chapter 11 restructuring. Taryn, Eric and Christopher discuss when companies should begin distressed compensation planning, scrutiny of prepetition bonuses and other compensation arrangements, how to incentivize and retain key employees during a bankruptcy proceeding, and how a bankruptcy court might treat employment and severance agreements. The episode discusses the steps boards and compensation committees can take to establish a thoughtful and well-documented decision-making process to optimize executive compensation arrangements for an upcoming bankruptcy proceeding. They also discuss recent trends and why early coordination among management, boards, compensation counsel, and restructuring counsel can help preserve options as financial conditions deteriorate. Speakers: Eric Chafetz , Partner, Bankruptcy & Restructuring Department Christopher A. Ward , Partner, Bankruptcy & Restructuring Department Taryn E. Cannataro , Counsel, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits

September 17, 2026Episode 6217 min

COBRA in M&A: Who Has the Obligation?

In this episode of Just Compensation , Megan Monson , Taryn E. Cannataro , and Zachary Bocian discuss federal COBRA obligations in mergers and acquisitions and how responsibility for continuation coverage may shift between buyers and sellers. The conversation covers how the rules differ for stock and asset sales, who is eligible for COBRA coverage in an M&A transaction, how successor employer considerations affect who is responsible for maintaining COBRA continuation, common diligence and drafting pitfalls, and why deal teams should address responsibility for COBRA coverage in the purchase agreement early in the transaction process. Speakers: Megan Monson , Partner, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Taryn E. Cannataro , Counsel, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Zachary Bocian , Associate, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits

July 23, 2026Episode 6117 min

Insider Threats: How to Properly Conduct a Cyber Investigation from a Threat Within

In this episode of Just Compensation, Amy S. Mushahwar , Taryn E. Cannataro , and Jessica I. Stewart discuss insider threats and how employers should approach cyber investigations when a threat comes from an employee or other service provider within the organization. They delve into common warning signs, evidence preservation, employee privacy considerations, the importance of coordination among legal, HR, IT, and forensic teams, and post-investigation issues such as considerations when disciplining or terminating employees, disclosure obligations, and the role of compensation structures in deterring and addressing insider threats. Speakers: Amy S. Mushahwar , Partner, Data Privacy, Security, Safety & Risk Management Taryn E. Cannataro , Counsel, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Jessica I. Stewart , Associate, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits

June 18, 2026Episode 6016 min

Sections 457(b) and 457(f): Designing Deferred Compensation Plans for Tax-Exempt and Governmental Employers

In this episode of Just Compensation, Megan Monson , Taryn E. Cannataro , and Zachary Bocian discuss Internal Revenue Code Sections 457(b) and 457(f), two deferred compensation vehicles available to tax-exempt organizations and state and local governments. The hosts detail who can sponsor these plans, how these plans work, when taxation occurs, and how Section 409A overlays with these rules. Be sure to check out our previous episode, " The Impact of 457A on Deferred Compensation from non-US Entities ", to learn more about Internal Revenue Code Section 457A. Speakers: Megan Monson , Partner, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Taryn E. Cannataro , Counsel, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Zachary Bocian , Associate, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits

May 28, 2026Episode 5912 min

Navigating Inducement Equity Grants to Attract Top Talent

In this episode of Just Compensation , Andrew E. Graw , Chair of Lowenstein's Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits group, Taryn E. Cannataro , and Kate Basmagian discuss inducement equity grants, a tool employers use to attract top talent in competitive markets. The conversation discusses how inducement equity grants can be used to issue awards outside shareholder-approved equity plans, and what employers must look out for to ensure they are complying with proper approval procedures, applicable listing rules, and timely and accurate disclosure requirements. Speakers: Andrew E. Graw , Partner, Chair, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Taryn E. Cannataro , Counsel, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Kate Basmagian , Partner, Capital Markets & Securities Group

April 30, 2026Episode 5816 min

What's New in Employment Law? Part II: General Trends

In this episode of Just Compensation, Megan Monson , Amy Komoroski Wiwi , and Amy C. Schwind continue their discussion regarding employment law updates and trends from 2025 and what employers should expect as 2026 continues. They focus on broader changes, covering non-competes, pay transparency and pay data reporting, AI, and DEI. Listen to Part I here . Speakers: Megan Monson , Partner, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Amy Wiwi , Partner, Employment Amy C. Schwind , Senior Counsel, Employment

March 26, 2026Episode 5722 min

What's New in Employment Law? Part I: State-Specific Changes

In this episode of Just Compensation, Megan Monson , Amy Komoroski Wiwi , and Amy C. Schwind discuss employment law updates and trends from 2025 and what employers should expect as 2026 continues. They delve into state-specific changes, noting minimum wage and salary threshold increases, prenatal leave and sick time, and independent contractor classifications, and other New York, New Jersey, and California legislation. Speakers: Megan Monson , Partner, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Amy Wiwi , Partner, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Amy C. Schwind , Senior Counsel, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits

February 19, 2026Episode 5612 min

Commission Basics: Key Considerations for Commission Plans

In this episode of Just Compensation , Megan Monson and Amy C. Schwind discuss legal considerations regarding commission payment, covering the key components of commission plans. They advise against ambiguity in plans by suggesting employers prepare clear, written commission plans that define eligibility, earning criteria, calculation, and payment timing while complying with state wage-and-hour and tax laws. Speakers: Megan Monson , Partner, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Amy C. Schwind , Senior Counsel, Employment

January 22, 2026Episode 5516 min

Your Options Have Options: Assessing Treatments of Outstanding Stock Options and Other Equity Awards

In this episode of Just Compensation , Megan Monson and Jessica I. Stewart join host Taryn E. Cannataro in discussing common treatments of outstanding stock options and other equity awards in transactions. The discussion covers what different approaches mean for employees, sellers and buyers, as well as the tax implications of various treatments. Monson, Stewart, and Cannataro explore the key issues that all parties in a transaction should keep in mind, from equity plan design and deal documentation to structuring awards that effectively incentivize employees. Speakers: Megan Monson , Partner, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Taryn E. Cannataro , Counsel, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Jessica I. Stewart , Associate, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits

December 18, 2025Episode 5417 min

ESOPs: What They Are, Why They're Used, Benefits, Drawbacks, and Pitfalls

In this episode of Just Compensation , Andrew E. Graw , Taryn E. Cannataro , and Zachary Bocian discuss ESOPs, employee stock ownership plans. The conversation covers the tax and non-tax benefits of ESOPs, and how ESOPs can be used by shareholders of closely-held companies to diversify all or some of their equity in the company. Speakers: Andrew E. Graw , Partner and Chair, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Taryn E. Cannataro , Counsel, Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits Zachary Bocian , Associate, Executive Compensation